Design

Allbirds M0.0NSHOT: The World’s First Net Zero Carbon Shoe

Allbirds M0.0NSHOT: The World’s First Net Zero Carbon Shoe

Unveiled at this year’s Global Fashion Summit in Copenhagen, Denmark – an international forum focused upon sustainability in fashion – the ultimately comfy footwear brand Allbirds revealed their latest efforts to alter the trajectory of footwear’s environmental impact with M0.0NSHOT, a minimalist Merino wool upper sneaker they’re hailing as the “world’s first net zero carbon shoe.”

This isn’t Allbird’s first effort to reduce the environmental impact attributed to midsole manufacturing. Back in 2018 the brand developed a midsole foam made from carbon negative, sugarcane-derived green EVA. In 2021, they also partnered with adidas to create a 2.94 kg CO₂e shoe, the lowest carbon footprint in the world at that time.

Allbirds' Moonshot merino wool sneaker set angled nearly vertical upon fake moss and stones.

The shoe arrives as a halo product spearheading the brand’s sustainability efforts to cut their carbon footprint in half by the end of 2025, with an eventual objective to get that figure to a near zero figure by 2030.

Graph showing the brand's net carbon footprint, calculating total energy and materials expenditures in Allbird's manufacturing, shipping, and end of life product cycle.

Allbirds claims their minimally adorned sneaker weighs in at a net 0.0 kg CO₂e carbon footprint compared to the average sneaker, which by their measurements imprints about 14 kg CO2e for each pair made. What’s notable is the M0.0NSHOT’s net zero figure isn’t achieved by the usual carbon offset shell game – the common practice of reducing emissions figures by compensating emissions elsewhere through efforts in land restoration or the planting of trees – but by committing to a “start to finish” approach in sourcing materials with little or negative impact from the start.

Hand holding up smartphone with map showing farmland borders.

Much of the M0.0NSHOT’s zero carbon attributes can be credited to the use of regenerative wool, a material sourced from Lake Hawea Station in New Zealand, a net zero carbon farm producing superfine premium merino wool that also sequesters more carbon by integrating native plantings, ground clearing, and new pasture species for their livestock.

The shoe’s soft knitted bootie-like upper is made with superfine premium merino wool sourced from The New Zealand Merino Company’s regenerative wool program, ZQRX. The midsole is manufactured from a sugarcane-derived foam midsole with 70% bio-based content. And even the shoes eyelets are a carbon-negative bioplastic, made from microorganisms that convert methane into a polymer that can be molded into the small detailing required of footwear. By all appearances, M0.0NSHOT should offer a very comfortable fit, with durability a question only to be answered once production goes into effect.

Detail of the laceless tab upper of the Allbird Moonshot wool sneaker

We could spend decades debating the finer points of carbon sequestration, or we can innovate today with a common sense approach. It’s about progress, not perfection. The scientists have shown us what’s possible – now it’s time for the fashion industry to carry the open-sourced learnings from M0.0NSHOT forward.

– Hana Kajimura, head of sustainability at Allbirds

Detail of the top and underside of the laceless tab upper of the Allbird Moonshot wool sneaker

Along with M0.0NSHOT, the brand released RECIPE B0.0K, an open-sourced toolkit detailing how the brand achieved net zero to share the maps for others within the industry to follow.

One Allbirds Moonshot sneaker balanced across one stone on the heel and three stones toward the toe of the shoe.

The Allbirds M0.0NSHOT is scheduled for a Spring 2024 release, with pricing and options to be announced at a later date.

Gregory Han is the Managing Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

Veined Patterns Are Reborn in Silestone®’s LeChic Collection

Veined Patterns Are Reborn in Silestone®’s LeChic Collection

For the first time in two years, surface brand Cosentino has launched a new product from Silestone®: the Le Chic collection. Still heavily focused on innovation and sustainability, Cosentino, the Spanish global leader in the production and distribution of surfaces for architecture and design, continues to bring fresh options to its offerings with the addition. Effortlessly elegant, the Le Chic collection brings together fashion and design through the use of expressive patterns that feature detailed veining and metallic accents. Silestone®, a leader in quartz countertops, aims to disrupt and create trends with its designs, giving Le Chic’s one-of-a-kind detailing and six shades the ability to add luxury to any interior space with a unique, sophisticated approach.

Bohemian Flame

The beautiful touches woven throughout the Le Chic collection add depth when laid against a backdrop of cream and other rich hues. You might call it veined patterns reborn, as it’s really redefining a timeless classic. The designs of Le Chic revisit shades through a modern interpretation as well, creating a sense of timeless allure partnered with nostalgia.

overhead image of elongated white rectangular table and white banquet seating

Eclectic Pearl

Modern yet timeless in execution, the six shades of the Le Chic collection bring to life the charm of Victorian and Parisian spaces through the use of emblematic natural, stone-inspired aesthetics. Eclectic Pearl, seen above, is a flowing stream of tones that will hypnotize you with its delicate veining, texture, and metallic accents that descend over the entire surface – like a glittering piece of jewelry.

all white bath space

Versailles Ivory

If gold is your preference, look no further than Versailles Ivory. Filled with warm golden veins and subtle two-toned background marbling, a gradient effect gives the illusion of flickering sparkles.

white and light wood kitchen

Victorian Silver

Alongside Versailles Ivory lies Victorian Silver, soft and subtle with similar two-toned background marbling. The difference lies in the cool white background that blends with silver and gray veins for a result that works seamlessly with both warm and cool tones.

all black kitchen

Bohemian Flame

With a visual impact that announces its presence, Bohemian Flame presents subtle veining with metallic inlays of copper shades. It only makes sense that it’s inspired by lava flows that scar volcanic soil, while simultaneously bringing to mind the flame of a candle.

all grey kitchen

Parisien Bleu

City lights have their moment with Parisien Blue, a deep tone with a strong personality and character inspired by the shades seen in famous Imperial Roman stones combined with ochre veins.

dark grey kitchen space

Romantic Ash

Lastly, there’s Romantic Ash, symbolic of the milky way on a clear, starry night. A blue accent adds extreme depth to the pattern, highlighting the crystal and silver particles making them appear to be in motion.

white bath vanity and mirror with grey floor and wall

Parisien Bleu + Victorian Silver

Sure to become a classic, the Le Chic collection also represents an advancement in Cosentino’s surface manufacturing evolution. The intricate, interlocking veins are made by the brand’s latest molding system, giving life to particles and minerals in a range of sizes to create a new texture. Silestone® is produced through a sustainable manufacturing process – key to all of Cosentino’s products – that uses less than 40% crystalline silica in its composition, 99% reused water, 100% electric energy from renewable sources, and a minimum of 20% recycled materials. This proprietary HybriQ+ Technology® supports Cosentino’s mission for a clean, renewable, and safe surface offering.

“At Cosentino, I believe we must strive to uphold our core values of innovation and sustainability with each product we put forward,” said Valentin Tijeras, Product, Innovation and Quality Vice President at Cosentino. “With Le Chic, we’ve made great strides in terms of surfacing technology by manufacturing the veining in such detail… This is an exciting milestone for the Silestone® portfolio, and we’re proud to be able to continue to manufacture these collections sustainably with our HybriQ+® technology.”

dark grey and light wood kitchen space

Romantic Ash

Silestone® products with HybriQ+® technology contain a minimum of 20% recycled materials, such as glass, in their composition. The material is manufactured in two formats – standard and jumbo – with the standard format measuring 53 x 119 inches and the jumbo at 62 x 126 inches. They’re also available in 12 mm, 20 mm, and 30 mm. Due to a variety of thicknesses, Silestone® can be used for kitchen and bath countertops, backsplashes, shower walls, bath podiums, custom sinks, shower bases, wall cladding, fire mantles, stairs, furniture coverings, table plateaus, and more.

white and light wood kitchen

Victorian Silver

Sustainability has been at the heart of Cosentino’s business model since its founding in 1979. The Almeria, Spain-based company has consistently invested in research and development ever since, striving to create environmentally friendly products and processes, as well as environmental conservation. The brand’s production embodies its respect for the environment, making efficient use of natural resources, such as 100% renewable electric energy at its Industrial Park in Almeria and factory in Vitoria, Brazil. In fact, Cosentino has one of the largest self-consumption solar installations in Europe – it’s capable of generating 15% of its annual electricity consumption. In 2022, 197 energy efficiency measures were implemented, saving 18.6 GWh.

All of this said, it should come as no surprise that Cosentino works to minimize and offset the brand’s carbon emissions by monitoring and calculating its carbon footprint annually. In 2022, the brand’s carbon footprint (Scopes 1-2-3) was reduced by 6.1%, achieving a 12.8% accumulated reduction in comparison to 2018. Cosentino even developed an Energy Transition Plan as part of its Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan to accelerate the energy transition and emissions reduction.

all white kitchen

Versailles Ivory

Known for its pioneering brands – Silestone®, Dekton®, and Sensa® by Cosentino – Cosentino is leading a new model of circular development aimed at making better use of our resources while finding ways to make today’s waste the resources of tomorrow. That includes 99% recycled and reused water, achieving 0% liquid discharge into rivers and seas, over 15% of waste recycled, and more than 7.5% of recycling raw materials used over total raw material consumption.

As an industry leader, Cosentino’s continued focus on innovative research and development, respect for the environment and sustainability, and an ongoing commitment to society and the communities in which it operates, makes an impact. When combined with the brand’s large catalog of surface options, now including the Le Chic collection, there are multiple reasons to explore and learn more.

To learn more about Cosentino’s Silestone® LeChic collection, visit cosentino.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

Jony Ive Emerges to Put His Own Spin on a Legendary Turntable

Jony Ive Emerges to Put His Own Spin on a Legendary Turntable

Anything designed by Sir Jony Ive is pretty much guaranteed to garner a peerless degree of curiosity and attention by the sheer fact Apple’s former head of design has flown mostly under the radar since co-launching LoveFrom, in 2019 with fellow designer Marc Newson. He’s recently emerged with the announcement of his first hardware project post-Apple – the 50th anniversary Linn Sondek LP12-50 turntable – a passion project of sorts, revealing Ive’s love of classic design and his audiophile tastes.

The white finish was unsurprisingly the result of a suggestion of Ive.

The origin story behind the 50th anniversary Linn Sondek LP12 turntable reads something like a movie plot: “I got a LinkedIn request for a meeting with British design guru, Sir Jony Ive,” Linn’s Director of Engineering Gilad Tiefenbrun notes in his recollection of the beginning of the partnership. In fact, Tiefenbrun admits he originally deleted the meeting request, believing it was a spam message. “A few hours later, I had this nagging feeling – ‘Maybe it was Jony Ive’ – so I got it out of the trash.”

Detail of the corner of the turntable showing the circular, machined-from-solid aluminum power switch with red and green dot lights, designed by Jony Ive.

“We saw a number of areas where there could be small improvements and gentle evolutions of the current design,” Ive noted in a feature with Fast Company. After a year of co-development between Linn and LoveFrom, Ive’s affinity for the brand comes through in the deft and modest touches left across the turntable’s redesign: edges smoothed, plastic hinges changed out for precision-machined metal hinges, and most prominently Ive-ian, the plastic rocker power button is now a circular, machined-from-solid aluminum, power switch.

space grey anodized arm board with Sondek LP12-50 model name subtly

Small touches like the space grey anodized arm board with Sondek LP12-50 model name subtly imprinted across makes it quietly known this LP12-50 turntable is a bit special. Limited to just 250 in the world, special. More photos of the LP12-50 over at the Financial Times.

Back right corner of the Sondek LP12-50 turntable showing its new metal hinge design.

Overhead shot of the Sondek LP12-50 turntable.

The all-new “Bedrok” plinth is machined from a single block of dense wood made by compressing layers of beech under extreme pressure, resulting in what Tiefenbrun describes as an “acoustically silent platform.”

Tiefenbrun is glowingly ecstatic of the collaboration. “The result is our best-sounding, best-looking, and most usable Sondek LP12 ever… I couldn’t have picked a better way of marking our 50th anniversary than with this landmark collaboration on Sondek LP12-50.”

Even at $60,000, we expect all 250 of these Linn turntables to find happy homes. If you’re so inclined to become one of the few, Linn is accepting reservation requests here.

Gregory Han is the Managing Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

Vector Uses Precise Paths to Create a Brutalist Lighting Collection

Vector Uses Precise Paths to Create a Brutalist Lighting Collection

Designer Lukas Peet has designed a Brutalist-inspired lighting collection for A-N-D that recently made its debut. The Vector series of lamps uses precise paths – similar to what graphic designers refer to as “vectors” – fitted together to create a slim rectilinear section. Peet defines this section a the Vector, which directs light down through its inner surfaces to create a gradient effect. The luminaire reveals small openings on the lamp’s architectural planes, interacting with voids and volumes in its simple form. What Vector doesn’t do is hide its natural state, instead emphasizing each lamp’s bold lines and strong materiality in corten steel, black steel, or polished stainless steel. The Vector collection includes Vector Table, Vector Floor, Vector Pendant, and Vector Ceiling/Wall.

modern structural table lamp

modern structural table lamp

modern structural floor lamp

modern structural floor lamp

modern structural floor lamp styled

modern structural floor lamp styled

modern structural pendant lamp

modern structural pendant lamp styled

modern structural pendant lamp styled

modern structural pendant lamp styled

modern structural pendant lamp

modern structural wall lamp

modern structural wall lamp

modern structural wall lamp

modern structural wall lamp

modern structural wall lamp

light-skinned man wearing all black clothing and sitting for a portrait

Lukas Peet

To learn more about Vector lighting, visit a-n-d.com.

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

F5: Steve Hoedemaker Shares His Most Treasured Possessions

F5: Steve Hoedemaker Shares His Most Treasured Possessions

Steve Hoedemaker, partner, AIA at Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, is a third-generation Seattle native whose life always brings him back to the region and his family farm located in the San Juan Islands. “Together with my brother and sister, I share a farm in the San Juan Islands that was purchased by our parents when I was two years old. I have lived many places, but this will always be home in its most profound sense,” he said of his most treasured possession. “It’s where the family has been married and buried, where we celebrate and escape. The farm is a gift my parents could barely afford when they bought it, and it has become a place that has value beyond all comparison.”

People and place play important rolls within Steve’s work. His practice weaves together architecture, interiors, and landscape to tell the layered stories of both through contemporary design and timeless traditions that are meant to last for generations.

In fact, if he were to try another creative field, Steve may pivot to writing. He shared that to him the practice runs somewhat parallel to architecture. “To me, writing and architecture are very similar; they use different mediums to create a journey, a specific sense of time and place. I like to ask my clients: What story do you want to tell yourself when you walk through the door of your house? What story do you want to tell your friends when they walk through the door? Using earth, stone, concrete, steel, wood, and glass, architecture is able to take a visitor on a narrative journey. It’s an absolute joy and privilege to help families tell their story, and to be able to go into detail with beautiful interiors and furnishings from Housewright, our shop that’s attached to our offices.”

Steve Hoedemaker

Steve got his start in the industry as an intern to Tom Bosworth while he finished writing his thesis. “I thought it would be a good idea to get some experience before moving on to one of the serious Seattle firms known for modern design. Tom enabled me to work with incredible families to create elegant, restrained retreats; I quickly felt his practice was a place I could stay and grow,” he said of his mentor.

“A few years later, Tom suggested I take over the practice; he hoped to create a platform on which I could build my career and for me to offer him a veil behind which he could back away without ever having to say that he was retiring. This agreement allowed both of us to become the beneficiaries of what he called “outrageous good fortune,” Steve divulged. “At 93 years old today, Tom continues to be an important voice in my life. He is a man of such elegance and wisdom, it would be hard to overstate his value.”

Now, Steve Hoedemaker joins us for this week’s Friday Five!

desk with notebook and small lamp overlooks a green hill through a window

Photo courtesy Wick

My hyperkinetic and incredibly creative friend Seth at Graypants has developed a light that is modern while referencing the past. It’s light that you can hold. It’s light that flatters faces while leaning into mystery. It’s ready to go camping or boating or to run down the middle of an elegant table. Fully portable and rechargeable, it makes good on Ingo Maurer My New Flame’s promise of a truly digital candle, while keeping the romance of warm, dimmable light alive.

abstract pottery

Photo: Andrew Giammarco

I am obsessed with Elias Scalise’s brutalist ceramic pieces. His wheel-thrown work shows a capacity for delicate touch, and his hand-built pieces have a propensity for muscular, irregular shapes. Both iterations benefit from his firing in an anagama wood-fired kiln and wood and ash glazing techniques.

styled wood covered bath with wood soaking tub

Photo: Ian Eland

3. Ofuro Soaking Tub

In my parents’ house, our bathtub was not deep enough to cover my whole body. Since being a grownup is, in part, about reminding ourselves that our childhood need not be how we live as adults, I have this fabulous cedar ofuro tub in my bathroom. It flows right over the top as you lower yourself in, keeping me immersed all the way up to the neck – perfection.

white and wood sailboat anchored in misty waters

Photo: Steve Hoedemaker

4. Sailing

With some friends, I share Norwester, a 1963 50-foot Kettenburg. I’ve always enjoyed how the water changes our perspective, allowing us to look back at the land from a new viewpoint. Sailing teaches you how to listen with your body, to understand what the wind and boat are communicating. It’s a unique kind of quiet, and has become the place I go to recharge and find inspiration. I can’t recommend it enough.

light-skinned man wearing a silver watch and wedding ring

Photo: Andrew Giammarco

5. My Grandfather’s Watch

Accessories become treasured design items, in part, when they carry a story. For example, I wear my grandfather’s Rolex. He bought it in the late ’60s shortly before his death, and as the youngest of his grandchildren, I am the only one who has no memory of him. When I was 18, my uncle gave me his watch. I have now worn it much longer than he ever did, but it has always felt like a pertinent and personal reminder of him, and it has become a piece I love.

Work by Steve Hoedemaker:

the facade of a home built into a hillside at dusk with lights lit within

Decatur Island Residence Inspired by its site in the San Juan Islands, the team conceived of the new home as a series of simple stone volumes growing naturally from their surroundings. The steep slope and a road directly behind it suggested a stone plinth and stone wall form the base and rear of the house. A pair of massive stone fireplaces rising together within the home’s interior enhanced the concept, separating the main level into public and private realms flanking a central stone staircase. The extended plinth, finally, allowed the interior spaces to flow beyond the building envelope into a seamless outdoor living area with spectacular views. A simple shed roof covering this humble pavilion tips low in front to protect it from the southern summer sun while offering prime real estate to a photovoltaic array above. This window system, while offering sweeping views of Puget Sound and opportunities for passive solar heat, also hides the building’s most complex structural feature – a full-height steel moment frame stretching more than 55 feet across the entire façade. Now described as a personal sanctuary, it invites nature inward without sacrificing privacy. Photo: Kevin Scott

home kitchen with wall of paned windows and island

Decatur Island Residence Photo: Kevin Scott

exterior of spanish-inspired home

Rudolph Project This house was initially designed and built by Lionel Pries in 1930. Our clients came to us with a desire to improve the inherent qualities of the house while also imparting a modern aesthetic. Additionally, the house was in significant need of floorplan rework to improve circulation and spatial connections for modern living. Hoedemaker Pfeiffer drew from our favorite elements of Spanish and European design to create a unique aesthetic that felt true to the original house. A significant addition was added at the back of the structure to make space for a larger kitchen, new sunroom, butler’s pantry, and an additional bedroom suite on the second floor. New materials such as steel windows, brick, and clay roof tile were carefully selected to blend in with the existing materials of the house. Sitting among colorful artworks from a variety of periods and genres, the vibe of the home is far from conventional. Photo: Haris Kenjar

looking into a dining room from a dark butler's pantry

Rudolph Project Photo: Haris Kenjar

styled open living space with sofa, armchairs, and tables

Rudolph Project Photo: Haris Kenjar

This post contains affiliate links, so if you make a purchase from an affiliate link, we earn a commission. Thanks for supporting Design Milk!

Kelly Beall is Director of Branded Content at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based writer and designer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, from Fashion Plates to MoMA and far beyond. When not searching out the visual arts, she’s likely sharing her favorite finds with others. Kelly can also be found tracking down new music, teaching herself to play the ukulele, or on the couch with her three pets – Bebe, Rainey, and Remy. Find her @designcrush on social.

MK&G Hamburg Unveils its Vibrant + Inspiring New Foyer Transformation

MK&G Hamburg Unveils its Vibrant + Inspiring New Foyer Transformation

The Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe Hamburg (MK&G) has just undergone an awe-inspiring transformation of its foyer, courtesy of the creative minds at Studio Besau-Marguerre. After an arduous four and a half months of renovation work, the MK&G now opens its doors to visitors with a harmonious fusion of design, functionality, and hospitality.

At the heart of the redesign, and after much observation of visitor flows, is a clear guidance system that not only ensures the safety and well-being of guests and staff, but also enhances the overall experience. The reception area is aligned along the entrance’s visual sight lines, ensuring smooth orientation for all visitors. Cloakrooms and bright yellow lockers are thoughtfully positioned to respect the logical steps of a museum visit while adhering to social distancing norms.

interior view of modern museum seating area of modular cobalt seating, pink walls, and yellow curtains

Off to the left of the foyer is a lounge space that boasts modular seating options in a bold cobalt blue that will invite visitors to take a rest.

angled down view of modern seating area with cobalt blue sofa edge and striped carpet

Studio Besau-Marguerre created a vibrant color scheme, including vivid blue, bright yellow, and four shades of terracotta, to form a captivating guidance system. As visitors journey through the foyer, they’ll be intuitively led to the side spaces through four color gradations – from pale pink to dark terracotta. Not only do they give nod to the historical color scheme of the coffered ceiling in the vestibule, but they also infuse a contemporary flair that sparks creativity throughout.

colorful interior of modern museum

The interior evokes feelings of coziness and sophistication, with soft materials like wood, wool, and hand-tufted carpets. The designers have even paid attention to the acoustics, ensuring that the ambiance remains pleasant throughout each visit. Curtains hung in a semi-circle enhance sound quality, complementing the new acoustic ceiling and panels on the walls.

modern museum interior with blue kiosk and bright yellow lockers

two rows of bright yellow modern lockers

bright yellow modern lockers next to red mirror

modern museum interior with blue kiosk and seating area

From Eva Marguerre and Marcel Besau:

We found redesigning the MK&G foyer to be an especially enjoyable task. This is where visitors get their first impression of the museum. So we endeavored to create an inviting spot that draws people into world of art and design while already sparking inspiration! Particularly exciting for us was the dialogue between the historical architecture and a contemporary interior.

partial interior view of modern museum interior with yellow lockers and blue kiosk

angled view of large pink room with long cobalt blue table with matching stools

Equipped with a long blue table filled with literature on the themes showcased in the exhibitions, the media lounge is perfect for school classes or events. On the walls, a sea of exhibition posters from the MK&G’s diverse program, sets the mood for further museum exploration.

angled view of large pink room with long cobalt blue table with matching stools

partial view of cobalt blue table with books on it

angled view of large pink room with long cobalt blue table with matching stools

Inspired by the rounded arches in the museum’s historical building, rounded shapes are incorporated to create a cohesive feel.

short yellow table bench under tv displaying art

angled foyer view in modern museum with blue kiosk

angled foyer view in modern museum with blue kiosk

angled foyer view in modern museum with blue kiosk

angled foyer view in modern museum with blue kiosk

In the center of the foyer, Stuart Haygarth’s “Tide 200” chandelier greets visitors with a mesmerizing, colorful display of found beach plastics.

angled foyer view in modern museum with blue kiosk

two people standing in a large pink room with modular blue sofa and gold curtains

The redesign of the foyer area completed in cooperation with Sprinkenhof GmbH and in accordance with guidelines set by Hamburg’s Ministry of Culture and Media and Monument Protection Office. Also involved in the project were SWP Architekten, Wittmaack Ingenieurgesellschaft from Elmshorn, and Licht 01 Lighting Design from Hamburg.

Photography by Brita Sönnichsen.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

Lexon Orbe’s Magnetic LED Lights Up Wherever You Want It

Lexon Orbe’s Magnetic LED Lights Up Wherever You Want It

Index Office’s Nelson Fossey’s minimalist approach to lighting and other functional objects, one emphasizing tactile portability, makes the French designer an ideal collaborator for Lexon in their effort to create a light for all occasions. The resulting 2023 Red Dot Design Award winning Orbe is a portable torchiere lamp that aims to illuminate wherever needed.

Inspired by the carefree childhood memories of playing the cup-and-ball game, Fossey’s detachable magnetic head features a 2-part design that easily disconnects and reconnects with an almost plaything enthusiasm. The colorway options also speak to Fossey’s playful aesthetic (with more sedate black, gold, and glossy white options also available).

Green Orbe LED lamp lights with ball head light assembly in 2 separate parts.

Blue and red Orbe LED lamp lights with ball head light assembly in 2 separate parts.

Three blue and red Orbe LED lamp lights with ball head light aimed in different directions.

Scaled for portability and capable for outdoor use (it’s IPX4 rating equals splash-resistant, but not waterproof) it’s a spotlight that can clearly be carried easily, with a rotating head capable of producing a peak output of 100 lumens of light.

Detail of USB-C port and power button on the back of a blue Orbe light with yellow power cord.

The LED lamp isn’t limited to just one hue output, with 9 colors and dimming as an option. At its lowest setting, the Orbe can eke out an impressive 48 hours of illumination after only 5 hours of recharging via USB-C cable.

A line of all five Orbe colorways, from left to right: gold, green, black, red+blue, and glossy white.

For more about the Lexon Orbe by Nelson Fossey, veer over to lexon-design.com.

Gregory Han is the Managing Editor of Design Milk. A Los Angeles native with a profound love and curiosity for design, hiking, tide pools, and road trips, a selection of his adventures and musings can be found at gregoryhan.com.

Still Life – The Art of Living: Exploring the Beauty of Personal Expression in Minimalist Design

Still Life – The Art of Living: Exploring the Beauty of Personal Expression in Minimalist Design

Still Life – The Art of Living was a minimalist exhibition of personal artifacts, furniture, and objects from Ariake, Dux, and Origin Made, with rugs from Sera Helsinki and lighting from Secto Design. The aim of the exhibition, curated by Gabriel Tan and styled by Kråkvik/D’Orazio, was not simply to showcase the panache of high-end design houses, but also a testament to the beauty of personal expression, reflected in the eclecticism of real homes.

The pieces chosen were not confined to a single brand, but instead symbolized the diverse tastes and preferences of individuals, and the seamless way in which these disparate elements can coexist harmoniously. Rather than fixating solely on the novelty of each item, the organizers delve deeper into the conversation that exists between art, objects, and furniture. In this vein, the exhibit was not limited to physical displays.

This exhibition explored a broader narrative, beyond the object itself, revealing the art of everyday living as seen through the lenses of personal style, craftsmanship, and the harmonious blend of varying aesthetic sources. The living room space also played host to thought-provoking discussions led by Tony Chambers and Hanna Nova Beatrice.

Kitchen setting within the Still Life exhibition

Dining room setting within the Still Life exhibition

Origin Made Meia Lua Armchair

Kitchen setting within the Still Life exhibition

Kitchen setting within the Still Life exhibition

Stool placed on the side within the Still Life exhibition

Ariake Kumiko Cabinets within the Still Life exhibition

Living room space within the Still Life exhibition

Braid Sofa by Ariake within the Still Life exhibition

Lounge chair and fireplace within the Still Life exhibition

Lounge chair within the Still Life exhibition

Lounge chair and bookshelves within the Still Life exhibition

Objects and accessories within the Still Life exhibition

Desk within the Still Life exhibition

Side Table placed on the side within the Still Life exhibition

DUX bed within the Still Life exhibition

Photography by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.

Lindal Designs a Better A-Frame for Today’s Modern Lifestyles

Lindal Designs a Better A-Frame for Today’s Modern Lifestyles

A-frame homes have been around for longer than you may know – Lindal Cedar Homes entered the market in 1945. Beginning in the 1950s and running through the 1970s, the structures were in high demand as vacation homes boomed. Easy-to-build and affordable, Lindal’s compact A-frame material package had the advantage of being able to be delivered to remote locations. At the time, the kit of materials and assembly instructions cost a whopping US $3,345!

Alpha 5

As you’ve likely noticed, there’s been a resurgence of interest in A-frame architecture throughout the past few years. Design-conscious individuals who are looking for a getaway or small primary residence are drawn to the strong architectural statement these special structures can add to the landscape.

Here’s where Lindal’s modern A-frame design comes into play. Traditional A-frames anchor the roof to the ground, creating areas of unusable space with insufficient headroom. Lindal worked with architectural designer Aris Georges, of OM Studio Design, to create five Alpha designs that make better use of each structure’s footprint.

interior living space with sofa and ottoman

Alpha 7

The Alpha is built on a raised foundation that partially exposes the iconic triangular framing of the exterior. This unique design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional – it protects the frame from the ground, allows additional light to come in through inverted clerestory windows located under the roof, and creates more usable space in the interior. A system-built grid and modular approach allows the owner to extend their A-frame lengthwise by adding frames to the base model, while the width remains the same.

A-frame in front of a sunset

Alpha 4 Photo: Lindal Cedar Homes

The Alpha 4 base model is a small home consisting of four frames, you enter through a foyer with immediate access to the bedroom and bathroom. Along the opposite wall, low-headroom areas are put to work holding built-in storage. From there, the floorplan flows into the kitchen and living room, where a wall of glass puts the view on full display and sliding doors open to an optional deck. Low windows allow light to penetrate deep into the space from the sides and provide additional views to the outdoors, while also retaining the integrity of the triangular form.

three A-frames in front of a sunset

L to R: Alpha 7, Alpha 5 + Alpha 4

The Alpha A-frame is available in five sizes, ranging from 670 to 1723 sq ft, with the Alpha 7 and 7+ being the largest models. All designs with loft areas include a spiral staircase up to the second level. The larger models are entered through a notched area in the center, dividing the space into shared and private areas while bringing light from the center of the structure into both sides. Large enough to accommodate a family, the Alpha 7 and 7+ are the best choice for a primary residence. Whichever Alpha A-frame you choose, you can rest easy – every home built comes with a lifetime structural warranty.

Pick up a copy of the Alpha House Plan Booklet or attend a webinar on the Alpha A-frame to become more acquainted with the possibilities. To learn more about building an Alpha A-frame on your property, contact your local independent Lindal representative for support and guidance throughout the process or visit lindal.com.

Kelly Beall is senior editor at Design Milk. The Pittsburgh-based graphic designer and writer has had a deep love of art and design for as long as she can remember, and enjoys sharing her finds with others. When undistracted by great art and design, she can be found making a mess in the kitchen, consuming as much information as possible, or on the couch with her three pets. Find her @designcrush on social.

Unleash Your Work-From-Home Potential with HQ: Where Style Meets Productivity

Unleash Your Work-From-Home Potential with HQ: Where Style Meets Productivity

To help conquer those dismal work-from-home setups many of us are still operating at three plus years later, Demarc set out to revolutionize remote work experience with HQ. Designed for the design-focused consumer in the space-challenged city of New York, the HQ aims to change the game in the world of WFH office solutions. Now, you can say goodbye to views of the cluttered desk in your living room and hello to a fully functioning workspace that seamlessly blends into your home’s aesthetics.

The standalone unit offers all the essential features of a traditional home office without compromising on space or style. The HQ encourages you to create an office space that not only meets your professional needs but also fades into the background once the work day is over.

a open cabinet in a modern living space that houses a home office setup

Not the only one at home while you’re working? HQ’s rounded doors can envelop around your desk chair allowing the sound-dampening felt to reduce the noise from your Zoom calls.

a open cabinet in a modern living space that houses a home office setup

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the HQ features a powder-coated steel frame and sound-dampening recycled PET felt, ensuring a quiet and focused environment even in the midst of a busy city. Strategically placed cable cut-outs keep your workspace clean and organized, while adjustable feet ensure stability on uneven floors.

closeup of open cabinet housing a home office desk setup

Demarc includes two docking stations, allowing you to connect your devices nearby and effortlessly. Whether you need to charge your laptop, connect to an external monitor, or sync your phone, the HQ has you covered. And speaking of monitors, the built-in and adjustable monitor attachment ensures optimal viewing angles for maximum comfort and productivity.

modern bedroom with dark blue walls with black cabinet open housing a work from home desk setup

modern bedroom with dark blue walls with black cabinet closed hiding a work from home office setup

cream colored modern living space with an open cream cabinet housing a work from home office desk setup

cream colored modern living space with a close cream cabinet hiding a work from home office desk setup

modern living space with black cabinet opened to reveal a work from home office desk setup

angled interior living room with black cabinet closed hiding a desk setup

modern living pace with open black cabinet housing a work from home office desk setup

modern living pace with closed black cabinet housing a work from home office desk setup

oatmeal colored rounded cabinet hiding a work from home desk

angled shot of oatmeal colored rounded front cabinet with black disc handle

angled shot of oatmeal colored cabinet with open doors revealing a desk inside

closed black cabinet

close black cabinet with white disc handle on front

angled view of black rounded front cabinet with doors slightly open revealing a desk chair

angled view of black rounded front cabinet with doors slightly open revealing a desk chair

open front view of modern cabinet that hides a desk insid

While Chapter Interiors founder, Piper Skillman, and her longtime colleague, Emma Robson, created HQ for other New Yorkers, it looks like you can contact Demarc for shipping to other areas. Currently, HQ is available in Oatmeal and Charcoal, each with the choice of a Washed Oak or Smoked Walnut handle, for $2,375 at demarc.space.

Photography by Demarc and Kate Glicksberg.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.